Sanders Society Competition 2026

Gloucester Cathedral has been 'home' to many renowned musicians over the centuries, including John Sanders who was Director of Music here between 1967-1994. He composed 'The Reproaches', which is held as one of the 20th century's most evocative pieces of church music and is performed by choirs around the world.

Following John Sanders’s death in 2003, The Sanders Society was formed and regularly since then - corresponding with the Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester - organises a successful and prestigious competition for young composers, drawing entries from all over the world.

There is an £1,000 prize on offer, as well as the prospect of a possible publishing contract, and the opportunity to hear the winning composition performed by three of the country’s finest cathedral choirs during the Three Choirs Festival week.

Details of the 2026 competition can be found on the Society’s website by clicking on the button below.

If any members of our Cathedral community know of a budding young composer who might be interested in this exciting opportunity, please do pass on the information.